E.—s

46

The buildings and apparatus were kept in good order and repair throughout the year. It will be necessary before long to have the whole school painted and the different rooms distempered and done up afresh, but it has not yet been, decided what body is responsible for tho upkeep of the building. Thanks to the liberality of the Agricultural Department) a very valuable exhibit of eighty lock specimens of wool has been added to the equipment of the school. A very fine turning-lathe for use in the electricity class has also been provided. The funds of the association are still in a sound healthy condition. To bring this about the .Managers have had to practise the strictest economy during the year. The amount collected in fees was £45 less than was collected for the previous year, and on account of the war no canvass was made for voluntary contributions. The loss sustained by both of the items makes a big difference on the receipt side of the balance-sheet. Considering all the circumstances the year's work must be deemed highly satisfactory, notwithstanding the strenuous time we have all been passing through, and the diligence and general behaviour of the students have been quite exemplary. We cannot close this report without making some reference to our brave fellows who have gone to the front. Like all institutions of this kind a number of ex-students are serving with the Expeditionary Forces, and many of them are among the killed, missing, or wounded. To the sorrowing relatives and friends the Managers tender their deep and heartfelt sympathy. The Managers would like again to accord a comprehensive vote of thanks to all those who contributed in any way? during the past year to the success of the school—to the Press, who always loyally support the school and are ever ready to help on the cause of technical education in the town; to the teachers —the whole success of the school depends on the instructors who are available to carry on the different classes, and Timaru has been very fortunate in this respect in the past, as most of the instructors are experienced teachers who are quite willing to help with the work for a Very small remuneration. The Managers also desire to acknowledge with thanks the prompt attention of the central Department to all claims and applications made dining the year. Gilbert DaLGLISH, 8.A., Chairman. Extract from the Report of the Managers of the Tioiuka Technical School. Early in the year Mr. M. McLeod, 8.A., resigned the Chairmanship of the Technical School Hoard, and Mr. George Cartwright was elected in his stead. Mr. McLeod had tilled the office of Chairman for about eight years, taking keen interest in the classes and devoting much time and eager attention to their advancement. His retirement (on account of leaving Tcmuka to take up an inspectorship in Auckland) was a distinct loss to the Board, and a resolution testifying to the value of his services to the classes was placed in the minutes. The following classes were held during the year: Dressmaking, three- classes; wool-classing, commercial work, sheep-shearing, agriculture, painting and sketching, and ambulance, each one class; and cookery, two classes: making a total of eleven classes. This is an increase of three on the previous year. Individual pupils numbered 167. This was also an increase on the previous year, and was very satisfactory, especially considering that it was a. year of war, when people's minds were to a large extent, occupied with thoughts of the struggle proceeding iv the Old World. The ambulance class was a ladies' one; it was well and regularly attended, the instructors and pupils being very enthusiastic. The agriculture class was a new one, and aroused considerable interest, several of the pupils being very enthusiastic. However, it is a class that should be much more largely attended, seeing that it is held in the centre of one of the finest agricultural districts in the Dominion, and those who lectured and demonstrated were men of great experience and specialists in the subjects dealt with. It is an extremely useful class, and we hope to see it much larger this year. The sheep-shearing class was again held in Mr. S. MoCully's shed, and was very successful. That the pupils were keen on their work was shown by (he fact that, several came long distances to attend it, even from near Timaru. Thanks to Messrs. MeCully, Cartwright, Oudc.x, Seaton, and others, the Hoard were able to get the number of sheep required to keep the pupils engaged. Towards the end of the course the shed was thrown open to visitors. A very large number of farmers and others interested attended, and expressed themselves as more than satisfied with the progress made by the pupils. The wool class was attended by a, good stamp of student —young men who appeared determined to master this interesting and remunerative calling. Very good work was done. As in former years, a fine lot of wool was provided by Mr. John Mclnnes, whose loyalty to the school is so well known. Mr. 11. Bell, a former member of the Board, was able to obtain another stud fleece for tho class, and the Department of Agriculture has notified that, it is sending us a sample exhibit of wool similar to that shown by the Dominion at the Panama, Exhibition. This will be a very valuable addition to the wool-room appointments. Several students took part in the wool-classing competitor! at the Timaru Agriculture Show, Woof them carrying off prizes. During (he year the Department made a grant of £83 for an addition to the wool-room, and this work has been completed. It, is safe to say that the room is now one of the most convenient, up-to-date, and well-appointed wool-rooms in the Dominion. The dressmaking classes were among the largest and most, popular of those held. One of the students sat last year for (he City and Guilds of London Examination and secured a (irst-class pass. She has since obtained an appointment as dressmaking instructress under the Ashburton Technical School Boai'd, and is proving a vovy successful teacher. While it may be said that the commercial and painting and sketching classes were successful, they were not nearly as large as they should be, and we hope to see a, much larger number on the roll this year. The lack of students was no fault of the instructors. The Board's thanks are due to our teaching staff for their loyalty, interest in their work, and unfailing courtesy; also to the local bodies and private persons for their continued support